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Not sure how to get a food bank voucher in the UK? Here’s who can refer you, how many visits it covers, and what to do if you can’t get one.
Most food banks in the UK, including every Trussell Trust food bank, ask you to bring a voucher before you can collect an emergency food parcel. You can’t buy one or print one yourself. Instead, a voucher (sometimes called a referral) is issued by someone who already works with people in your situation, such as an adviser, a GP or a school.
This guide covers who can give you one, how the process works, and what to do if you can’t reach a referrer.
What is a food bank voucher?
A food bank voucher is a short form, usually a paper slip or an emailed code, that confirms you’re facing a genuine crisis. You take it (or the code) to your local food bank, where it’s exchanged for a food parcel, normally enough for three days of meals.
The system exists so food banks can prepare the right amount of food for the people coming in, and so whoever issues the voucher can also check you’re getting the benefits and support you’re entitled to.
Who can refer you to a food bank?
You don’t need to know someone personally to get a referral. Any of the following can usually issue a voucher:
- Citizens Advice – call or visit your local branch, or use the national helpline
- Your GP or health visitor
- A social worker or housing officer
- Your child’s school, often through a family support worker
- Your Jobcentre work coach, if you’re waiting on a benefit payment
- Your local council, particularly its welfare or crisis support team
Whoever you speak to will ask a few questions about your situation and income. This isn’t a means test in the way benefits are, it’s simply to work out what support will help most, since a voucher is often only part of what’s on offer. Many referrers can also flag debt advice, benefit checks, or help with fuel and rent at the same time.
How many food parcels does one voucher cover?
A single voucher usually covers one visit, giving you around three days of food. Most food banks limit how many vouchers you can use in a row, often three within six months, before asking you to speak to your referrer again so they can check whether there’s a longer-term problem that needs a different kind of help.
Can I use a food bank without a referral?
Yes, in some cases. Not every food bank runs on a voucher system. Many independent food banks, community pantries and church-run projects let you self-refer or simply turn up, sometimes for a small membership fee, sometimes for free. This is worth knowing if you need food urgently and can’t reach a referrer straight away.
If you’re not sure whether your nearest food bank needs a voucher, the simplest thing is to contact them directly and ask. You can also search by county to find contact details for food banks near you.
What if I don’t know who to ask?
If you’re not already in touch with any of the services above, Citizens Advice is usually the best place to start. In many areas they can issue a voucher themselves, or point you towards whoever holds vouchers locally. In an emergency, your local food bank can often tell you the quickest route to a referral in your area, even if it can’t issue one directly.
What happens after I’ve used my voucher?
Once you’ve collected your food parcel, it’s worth going back to whoever referred you if things haven’t improved. Referral agencies exist to help with the underlying problem, not just the immediate food gap, so a second conversation might turn up a benefit you’re missing, a council grant, or a payment plan that takes the pressure off going forward.
Needing a food bank isn’t a sign you’ve done anything wrong. The voucher system exists to make sure help gets to the right place quickly, not to put barriers in your way.
